reaching upwards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reaching upwards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical action, a metaphorical aspiration, or a goal that involves striving for something higher or better. Example: "The tree was reaching upwards towards the sky, its branches stretching out in search of sunlight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It is the world's most widely-disseminated survey on the topic, reaching upwards of a billion people a year.

Yale University

Densely graded AC has low albedo and high volumetric heat capacity, which results in surface temperatures reaching upwards of 60 °C on hot summer days.

Journal of Environmental Management

George Osborne's tax wheeze was popular - but he could redistribute to the well-off only by reaching upwards to wealthier foreigners.

The Guardian

Bone-like columns twist their way to the ceiling, branching out from ellipsoid knots, reaching upwards, creating the impression of being in an enormous forest.

The Guardian

Starting around $6,000 and reaching upwards of $8,000, they were beyond the reach of most enthusiasts, though they could be ordered at selected Ford dealerships.

The New York Times

And at negotiation prices reportedly reaching upwards of $3 billion, the search engine could probably use the discount.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

In fact, many jobs reach upwards of multiple hundreds of applicants!

Yale University

One of the woman's hands reaches upwards, the other hangs down.

The Economist

Allison J. Christenson '98 reaches upwards in her floor exercise during Saturday's gymnastics meet in DuPont.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The trunks of tall palm trees reach upwards into a green sky, before exploding into a splay of crimson fronds.

The Guardian - Tech

Great glass-sheathed skyscrapers reach upwards in central Shenzhen, which boasts some of the world's tallest buildings.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reaching upwards" to describe abstract concepts like goals, ensure the context clearly establishes the metaphorical connection between physical reaching and aspiration.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "reaching upwards" can sound less sophisticated in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for alternatives like "ascending" or "increasing" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reaching upwards" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It often describes a physical action or a metaphorical attempt to attain a higher level. Ludwig examples showcase this duality, illustrating both literal reaching and aspirational striving.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reaching upwards" is a grammatically correct verb phrase that is used to describe both physical actions and metaphorical aspirations. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, it's important to consider the context when choosing this phrase. While common across various domains like news, science, and academia, it might sometimes benefit from being replaced with more formal alternatives in certain contexts. As evidenced by examples across several domains, "reaching upwards" remains a versatile and widely understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stretching upward

Focuses more on the physical act of extending in an upward direction.

extending upward

A more formal and descriptive way of expressing the act of reaching higher.

ascending

Implies a gradual climb or movement to a higher point.

rising

Suggests an upward movement or increase, often in a more general sense.

climbing

Emphasizes the effort and process of moving upward, often in a challenging situation.

moving upward

General term for indicating an upward movement.

soaring

Conveys a sense of effortless upward movement, often associated with freedom and achievement.

aspiring

Shifts the focus to ambition and the desire to achieve something higher.

striving

Highlights the effort and determination involved in pursuing a goal.

aiming high

Indicates setting ambitious goals and targeting a high level of achievement.

FAQs

How can I use "reaching upwards" in a sentence?

You can use "reaching upwards" to describe physical movement, as in "The plant was reaching upwards towards the sunlight", or metaphorically, as in "The company is reaching upwards to achieve its ambitious goals".

What are some alternatives to "reaching upwards"?

Some alternatives to "reaching upwards" include "stretching upward", "ascending", or "rising", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "reaching upwards" and "stretching upward"?

While similar, "reaching upwards" can imply a more deliberate or active effort, whereas "stretching upward" often describes a more passive or natural extension.

When is it appropriate to use "reaching upwards" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "reaching upwards" in both descriptive and figurative contexts, but consider the tone. In formal writing, alternatives like "increasing" or "ascending" might be more suitable.